We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Lewis . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.

Lauren , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned to model through taking courses with my agency and practicing what I learned there by incorporating it in my daily routine. For example when getting dressed, I practice photo posing in the mirror, and when working out, I put my heels on when I get on the treadmill and catwalk; at a slow pace of course. To be honest my consistency wasn’t always there, so to speed up the learning process I would have definitely needed to be more consistent and invested a little more time . A good tip I would give is to learn how to act. Acting and modeling go hand and hand as far as expression goes, so taking a few acting classes can be very essential in development. In all crafts we face obstacles. The obstacles that stood in my way of learning was working with people who had a camera who called themselves photographers that took images that weren’t beneficial. I called myself getting practice but ended not being able to use the images for my portfolio or any submissions.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I first got into the industry about 11 years ago and stopped to start a family. The passion never went away, so I decided to start back. Even though most models do better at a younger age, my career is flourishing better now then it was then. I’m currently doing commercials and campaigns for big brands as well as runway shows for huge labels. I’m very proud of myself from starting off doing free shows and ambassador work to be being signed with one of Texas top agencies, Neal Hamil, and staying booked.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Modeling has always been a dream of mine. Even though I stopped and started back, I want my daughters to know that they should never give up on their dream. Life happens, but it’s all in perfect timing. I want to be example and show them why they should always keep pushing. You never know how close you are to reaching your goal, so never quit. You can literally be one step away.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I know a lot of models that choose to not be signed by an agency and be freelance model. That’s okay, but it’s more beneficial to be with an agency because they have more pull for gigs that allow both to submit, and they also have access to higher paid work not listed on casting sites. The bigger brands always go for agency models because they know they are trained and professional and can the job done right otherwise they wouldn’t be signed. They would rather take a chance with them then a freelance. Now I’m not saying you can’t do well being freelance, but you limit your opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thenealhamilagency.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Lauren_themodel
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurenthemodel

Image Credits
Carlos Vincent